Anyone heading to Newcastle's Christmas market this weekend may notice that large bollards have been installed around it.
The heavy-set barriers have been put in place by Newcastle City Council in an effort to protect crowds and traders during the festive season by cutting off access from vehicles. Signage on the barriers reads: "Crowd guard. Protecting crowded spaces."
The bollards, which were also installed at last year's Christmas market, have been called "safety barriers" by the council, who confirmed that they are a "precautionary measure".
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A Newcastle City Council spokeswoman said: “As happened last year, and in line with other cities around the UK, safety bollards have again been placed around the Christmas market.
"These are purely as a precautionary measure so that everyone who visits can safely enjoy the Christmas festivities in the city.”
It comes as this year's event looks set to be bigger than ever, with stalls on Grey Street, Grainger Street, and Old Eldon Square. Many North East traders will be taking part, selling a variety of food, drinks, and gifts - with some stalls changing every week in the run-up to Christmas.
The market will welcome its first visitors on Saturday, November 19, and the event will run until Friday, December 23. Shoppers will be able to browse the market from 10am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sundays.
The Grainger Market will also be extending its trading hours over the festive season. From Monday, November 21, it will be open every day until Christmas Eve. It will be open as normal from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday it will be open from 11am to 4pm.
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